The What to do, When and How ELDAC Podcast series
A blog by Jon San Martin, ELDAC Education Research Fellow
Providing quality care to older people means staying informed, prepared, and responsive, especially when supporting someone at the end of life. But in the day-to-day of aged care, it can be challenging to find practical and trustworthy information you can access easily.
That’s why ELDAC has launched a new podcast series: ‘The What to do, When and How’. It’s designed for aged care workers, nurses and anyone working across residential, community or primary care who wants to build their confidence and knowledge in palliative and end-of-life care for older people.
Hosted by Jon San Martin, ELDAC Education Research Fellow, the podcast features insightful conversations with experts from across palliative care, aged care and primary care. Each episode is short, practical and easy to listen to, delivering real-world insights and useful tips in a format that fits into your routine. Whether you're on a break, commuting, or catching up between shifts, the ELDAC podcasts help you stay up to date and feel more confident in the care you provide.
Let’s look at what’s on offer in the six podcast episodes.
Episode 1 – Recognising the Last Days and Last Year of Life
Guest: Prof Meera Agar | 17 mins
Kicking off the series is Professor Meera Agar, a palliative medicine physician.. In this episode, Meera helps us unpack what ‘end of life’ means, and why recognising it early is so important.
You’ll learn how to identify signs that an older person may be in their last year or days of life, and what to consider when providing care during this time.
Jon reflects, “I had the amazing opportunity to have Meera Agar as our first guest. She shares invaluable insights about unmet needs, and how our understanding of ‘end of life’ shapes the way we respond.”
Episode 2 – Acute Hospital Transfer from Residential Aged Care
Guest: Lara McIntyre | 13 mins
Hospital transfers can be distressing—not only for the older person, but also for their family/carers and aged care staff. In this episode, Nurse Practitioner Lara McIntyre shares practical, actionable strategies to help you respond effectively, communicate clearly, and make decisions that reflect the person’s goals and preferences.
This episode explores when to call an ambulance, signs that more acute interventions are needed, and how to make sure care stays person-centred, even in an emergency.
Episode 3 – Managing Polypharmacy in Aged Care
Guest: Dr Elissa Campbell | 9 mins
Managing medications in aged care can be complex, especially when someone has difficulty swallowing or is approaching the end of life. Dr Elissa Campbell, a geriatrician and palliative care physician, walks us through key considerations around polypharmacy.
You’ll hear practical approaches to managing polypharmacy while supporting quality of life in the later stages of care for older people, including those living with dementia.
Episode 4 – Supported Decision-Making
Guest: Assoc Professor Joel Rhee | 13 mins
What happens when an older person’s decision-making capacity changes? Associate Professor Joel Rhee, an academic general practitioner, explains what supported decision-making looks like in real-life care situations.
This episode unpacks fluctuating capacity, communication strategies, and how to respect a person’s autonomy while keeping them safe and supported.
Episode 5 – When to Refer to Specialist Palliative Care
Guest: Juliane Samara | 19 mins
Knowing when to bring in specialist palliative care is essential, but the conversation can be difficult. Nurse Practitioner Juliane Samara shares guidance on when a referral is appropriate, and how to talk about it with older people and their families and carers.
It’s a thoughtful and honest episode that reminds us it’s never too early to plan well.
Episode 6 – Care in the Bereavement Phase
Guest: Dr Kristin Bindley | 13 mins
Supporting someone experiencing grief and bereavement can be challenging—especially when we're uncertain about what to say or do, and whether we're truly being helpful. In this episode, Dr Kristin Bindley, an accredited mental health social worker, talks about how to provide support, and how to recognise signs that may point to an increased risk of complications in bereavement.
She also shares practical tips for your conversations with family and carers during this difficult time.
More Than a Podcast
ELDAC is finding new ways to engage the sector in delivering practical, accessible education, beyond traditional modules. Each podcast episode comes with learning objectives, guest bios and links to helpful tools and resources. The podcast is a great way to refresh your knowledge, start team conversations or support your own professional development.
Whether you’re new to aged care or have years of experience, The What to do, When and How podcast offers something for everyone who wants to provide compassionate, informed care at the end of life.
Dr Kristin Bindley, Lara McIntyre and Jon San Martin.